Parents scrimping to get by this December

The parents of four children have tried to get through this month without spending any money, after a layoff severely limited their finances.

The father was laid off by his employer in late fall. Since then, the family has only made ends meet because of temporary odd jobs the parents have been able to take, and by paying the minimum amount on crucial bills.

In a letter to Press Christmas for All, the mother wrote that they are not spending money on any nonessentials. They are even avoiding buying groceries in December by relying on what they had in their freezer and pantry.

"It's been hard and trying, yet rewarding," she wrote.

The parents have four young children between the ages of 6 and 2. With the hardship they currently are going through, the mother expressed doubt that they would be able to get presents for their kids for Christmas.

"We've been trying to pay off debt, but we would like to give our children a gift this year,” she said.

This is the 30th year Press Christmas for All has worked to brighten the lives of Kootenai County residents in need during the holiday season.

Each year, Press readers donate generously to the program. The money collected is distributed in the form of gift cards to those who might not otherwise be able to put a holiday meal on the table or purchase a small gift for a child. The program helps everyone in need, including struggling young families, seniors, people with disabilities and mental illnesses. Many are alone, and despair is a common factor.

Through Christmas for All, these less fortunate neighbors feel the compassion of a caring community during what can be a very difficult time of year for them.

Press Christmas for All is managed by The Hagadone Corp., with assistance from Kootenai County Fire and Rescue. It is a legally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, run entirely by volunteers at The Hagadone Corp., the Coeur d’Alene Press and Kootenai County Fire and Rescue.

Every penny raised is distributed to needy Kootenai County residents. All overhead costs are covered by The Hagadone Corp. and the volunteers at Kootenai County Fire and Rescue.

Donations can be made by dropping off or mailing a check to: Press Christmas for All, 215 Second St., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814.

Online donations can be made by visiting http://bit.ly/ChristmasforAllDonations

Donations are also accepted by phone. Call (208) 664-8176 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to use a credit card to contribute.

Recent donors: Dennis & Mary Casey; Gene Pierson; Don & Donna Bresemann; Kenneth Olsen; Joanne & Larry Castor; John & Kathleen Spellman; Barbara Holcombe; Don & Sally Allen; James & Peggy Sorenson; Paul & Beverly McCabe; Sam & Pam Whitaker, In loving memory of Vivian Scott; Meryl Mackey; Jacqueline & Lanny Rickard; Margie Wise; Jack & Cherie Shinn; Lynn Jackson; Harrold & Christian Markiewicz, In memory of Nick Mayte, U.S.M.C.; Raymond & Sharon Bradley; Craig & Janet Heilman; Duane & Sharon Fitch; Anonymous, In memory of Jon Kosty, Steve Hancock, & Margie Nordstrom; Anonymous, In memory of Maj. StormoGipson; Anonymous, In memory of my parents, Fred & Darlene Hood; Harry & Ione Perry; George & Jeanie Clemons; Jim & Marian Lynn; Ralph & Jan Baker; Judith Cady & Wendell Gardipe; Anonymous; Mary Beth Chambless; Pat Dyke; Doug & Mary Somers; Donna Walker; Joan Day.